Month: January 2017

So we’re into Day 2 of the 24 in 48 Readathon. How’s everyone doing? This is just a quick update to say that while I’m going to fail miserably at reading for 24 hours this weekend, I’m still ridiculously pleased with my reading progress. Here’s some quick details:

Hours read: 5

Books finished: 2

Books DNF’ed: 1

So, while I haven’t gotten much time in, I’ve still made a lot of progress on that TBR stack. I’ll definitely be calling this weekend a win. I’ll check back with you all later to give you final numbers.

This weekend is the 24 in 48 Readathon! The goal here is to read for 24 hours this weekend. I’m a bit of a late entry, but I’ve got very little plans this weekend, so I think I can do it!

I’m starting the Readathon a bit late, but here’s my answers to the Intro Survey:

It’s here! It’s time!

Welcome to the January 2017 edition of #24in48! Right now, it’s midnight ET on the official readathon clock, but we’re kicking things off with a bang. If you’re just now discovering the ‘thon or have been unsure of your weekend plans, you can still sign up and do so throughout the weekend.
A few notes as we get started:
If you’re planning on reading a full 24 hours (or even just trying to get close), make sure you track your time. You can do this a number of ways but the preferred method is with a stopwatch on your phone or computer or the new Bookout app for iOS devices (per a helpful readathoner). If you finish 24 hours of reading, you’ll be eligible to win one of three prize packs, including one just for non-US participants.

There is ZERO pressure to read for a full 24 hours. Seriously, guys. This is the fifth year I’ve been doing this thing, and I say every time, this is supposed to be fun and low pressure. The goal is to set aside some serious time to read with other like-minded readers.

Take a break, get some sleep, eat well. This is a marathon, not a sprint.

Make sure that your sign-up entry is correct (including email and social media/blog URL). If you’re not active on that social platform during the ‘thon, you won’t be able to win any of the amazing prizes we’re giving away. By URL I mean, don’t just type “Twitter” or “Facebook.” I need to be able to find you, so list your username or the URL of your feed (i.e. http://twitter.com/24in48readathon). If you need to update your entry, you can do so by going through the link you received in your confirmation email. If you didn’t get an email and need to update your entry, email me ASAP at 24in48readathonofficial@gmail.com.

If your name is announced as either a door prize winner or a challenge winner, go over to the Prize page and fill out the form. If you don’t check in there, you’ll miss your shot to win.

Follow the conversation (which honestly is my favorite part of the ‘thon) on social media. I’ll be posting from @24in48readathon on Twitter, on the official Facebook page, and @24in48 on Instagram and Litsy. You can – and should – use the official hashtag #24in48 everywhere as well.

I’ll be posting here every three hours with challenges and door prize giveaways, so check in early and often.Where in the world are you reading from this weekend?

The Great Midwest

Have you done the 24in48 readathon before?

I participated last winter.

Where did you hear about the readathon, if it is your first?

Not my first!

What book are you most excited about reading this weekend?

I have a lot of books I’m currently in the middle of reading, and I’m really just looking forward to getting lots of reading in, so all of them!

Tell us something about yourself.

I’m a knitter. Audiobooks may be in use today.

Remind us where to find you online this weekend.

Right here on my blog, or on twitter (@BooksBeyondM).
Good luck today! I’ll check back in soon!

I’ve got a short list today, I’ve mostly been reading some pretty hyped books, but here are just a few things I’ve read in the past year that I basically found on my own and didn’t know anything about.

The Boy is Back by Meg Cabot. I used to love Cabot, but didn’t even know this book had been released!Sweetbitter by Stephanie Danler. I think this may be a popular book, but I was attracted to it by the cover. Two Gentlemen of Verona by William Shakespeare. One of the lesser talked about plays. I didn’t even know anything about the plot of it when I started. When in French by Lauren Collins. One of the few nonfiction I’ve read lately. Siracusa by Delia Ephron. I got this through Book of the Month, but I’ve never even seen it in any bookstores near me.
I need some good underrated books to read! Give me some suggestions!

Top Ten Tuesday is here! I always love the first few of the year. Recapping the previous year, looking back on what you missed, and looking forward to the year ahead. This week: Top Ten 2016 Releases I Meant to Read but Didn’t Get to. A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles

Happy New Year! I hope you all have enjoyed the weekend, the end of 2016, and the start of 2017. I don’t usually do resolutions, but this year I want to try when it comes to this blog. I have really let this place go, and I think some goals will keep me going (at least for a couple of months). So here are my reading and blogging goals for 2017:

Post twice a week. It doesn’t really matter what, I just want to keep up a presence online.

Keep a reading journal. I recently bought a journal specifically for this, so hopefully I can keep it up and use it to help me with goal number one.

Expand my reading. I want to read things I normally wouldn’t this year. I want to challenge myself. One way of doing this is to follow some reading challenges, like the ones Book Riot and Modern Mrs. Darcy are doing for the year. I don’t know if I will actually follow through with completing the challenges, but I do want to look at the goals when I choose new books to add to my shelves. I want to broaden my reading experiences, and these challenges may help with that.

I know these goals are a little vague. I want to keep them vague. My goal is not to reach a certain number of books or posts, it’s to spend the year feeling satisfied with my bookish life.